Rome enters 2026 with a commission shaped by experience, service, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community.
From long-standing civic leadership to deep roots in education, business, and neighborhood engagement, each new commissioner brings a unique perspective to the table. Together, they represent a diverse blend of expertise and hometown pride — ready to listen, collaborate, and help guide Rome toward continued growth and opportunity.
Jill Fisher
From classrooms to civic leadership, Jill Fisher’s journey reflects a deep love for Rome and the families who call it home.
Jill Fisher, a native of Mandeville, Louisiana, is a graduate of LSU with a degree in chemical engineering. She and her husband, Mark, moved to Rome 23 years ago to establish his dental practice and build a loving home for their three children. Each graduated from Rome High School, and their accomplishments remain a source of pride for the family. Their eldest son, Nate, earned a degree in mechanical engineering from LSU and now lives in Dallas; their daughter, Sarah, is a senior at the University of Tennessee majoring in biomedical engineering; and their youngest son, Jacob, is a sophomore at Georgia Tech.
“I dream of our three children returning to Rome someday to raise their families here, too,” Jill shares. This hope is one of the inspirations behind her decision to serve as a Rome City Commissioner.
Since moving to Rome, Jill has poured her time and talents into several nonprofit organizations, including the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia. Her dedication to education is reflected in her leadership within the Rome City School System, where she has served as Vice Chair, Board Chair, and District Director for the 21 school systems in the northwest region of the Georgia School Board Association.
“Reflecting on nearly a decade on the school board, I feel honored to have served during both challenging and rewarding times. Navigating the pandemic, completing Main Elementary, and watching the growth of the College and Career Academy and Rome Middle School have all been meaningful milestones. I am grateful for the unwavering support of our community. Ultimately, success is knowing that education transforms lives for the better.”
“Quality of life is crucial, and diverse real estate options are a key asset for our community.”
Looking ahead, Jill believes Rome is well positioned for economic growth. She is committed to championing thoughtful, strategic planning to help the community seize the opportunities ahead. Her vision includes exploring redevelopment along Rome’s rivers, creating appealing real estate options, and attracting young families and professionals. “Quality of life is crucial, and diverse real estate options are a key asset for our community,” she emphasizes.
Jill takes her new role seriously and is committed to staying informed and prepared to make decisions that serve the best interests of Rome’s residents. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow commissioners, the city manager, Floyd County officials, and civic leaders to continue strengthening the community.
Elaina Beeman
Elaina Beeman is a community leader dedicated to unity, progress, and building partnerships that strengthen Rome’s future.
Elaina Beeman has served as a Rome City Commissioner since 2022 and was recently re-elected to another four-year term. She is widely recognized for her commitment to fostering growth, inclusion, and strong community partnerships. A champion for youth development and educational excellence, Elaina’s collaborative leadership style has earned the respect of colleagues and residents throughout Rome and Floyd County.
She sees several key challenges ahead as Rome moves into 2026, including infrastructure projects tied to growth, the availability of affordable housing, public safety concerns, and statewide economic pressures that affect local planning. Her approach centers on bringing people together to find solutions, strengthening the relationships between local organizations, businesses, and government agencies.
Elaina’s leadership has helped launch numerous collaborative initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and expanding opportunities for young people. Her forward-thinking mindset, innovative problem-solving skills, and ability to unite diverse stakeholders continue to encourage positive change and community unity.
Looking ahead, Elaina remains committed to working closely with local leaders and residents to address Rome’s most pressing needs. She believes that sustainable progress comes from shared responsibility and active civic engagement. “Everyone’s voice is valuable in shaping a thriving, resilient city,” she emphasizes.
“Together, we have the power to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities.”
Elaina is a graduate of Rome public schools, Floyd Junior College, and Jacksonville State University. Her leadership experience includes Leadership Rome (2000), Leadership Georgia (2011), serving as Hospitality Chair for Leadership Georgia (2012), and being named a Heart of the Community Award honoree (2016). She previously served on the Rome/Floyd Planning Commission and completed two elected terms on the Rome City School Board, along with serving as District 7 Director on the Georgia School Board Association and participating in numerous other boards of merit.
Her husband, Rickey, owns Beeman’s Management Association (B.M.A.) Lawncare and Landscaping Services, LLC. Elaina is the Operations Manager for Haynes Heating and Cooling – HVAC Company, Inc. They have three children and three grandchildren and are active members of The Relevant Church.
Elaina says she is continually inspired by the resilience and determination that define the Rome community. “Together, we have the power to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities, ensuring that Rome remains a vibrant, welcoming place for all.”
Vic Hixon
Guided by deep local roots, Vic Hixon works hard to uplift families, support youth, and strengthen the community he loves.
Born and raised on Reservoir Street in Rome, Vic Hixon is the son of Sanders and Mary Hixon, surrounded by a large, supportive family that instilled resilience and ambition from an early age. Working alongside his father, a serial entrepreneur, Vic learned the grit of hard work — watching effort turn into opportunity and absorbing lessons in perseverance and ingenuity. His extended family reinforced the belief that with determination, anything is possible.
Vic was a standout athlete at Darlington High School. After graduation, he continued his education at Clark Atlanta University before earning his degree from Shorter College, rooting his journey firmly in his hometown.
Today, Vic serves as a dedicated educator at Main Elementary, where he mentors students and works to model strength, consistency, and compassion. For more than 18 years he has also owned and operated Autolink Detail Shop, building a thriving small business amid the challenges many entrepreneurs face. In his spare time, he coaches youth sports, channels his passion into developing the next generation, and contributes to his community through the arts. He has performed on the Rome Little Theatre stage in several productions and has written and produced his own plays.
Vic is also a deacon at Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Armuchee, a family cornerstone for more than a century. His deep community roots have shaped his understanding of Rome’s strengths as well as its challenges — from the effects of drug addiction on families to the need for structured youth programs and the hurdles small businesses encounter.
“I am very excited about taking my seat on the commission. My goal is to listen, lead, and work collaboratively to make our community strong.”
A longtime advocate for civic solutions, Vic has worked at the neighborhood and community level to amplify the needs of residents. Now stepping into city government, he views his new role as both an honor and a responsibility. “Rome’s challenges are significant, but so is our potential. As I begin this journey, my goal is to listen, lead, and work collaboratively to make our community stronger, safer, and more sustainable for all residents.”